Hayes

Betty Virginia Hayes, 73 of Colonial Beach, VA passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 in Richmond, VA. Born on May 4, 1952 in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late John H. Wood, Sr. and Dorothy Bond.

Betty spent her early years in Brandywine, MD before marrying and moving to Virginia where she built a life centered on faith, family, and fellowship. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to caring for those she loved.

Betty was known to many for her love of cooking comfort foods and baking many delicious treats at Christmastime. She could be counted on to cook something amazing and delicious because it was always prepared not only with her great skill, but also with boundless love. Most in demand were her buttermilk biscuits, tasty pumpkin rolls, and traditional fruit cakes.

She was also gifted with a creative spirit. Whether painting ceramics, crocheting, or sewing on her old Singer machine, she always had someone special in mind for every handmade piece. Her thoughtful creations will be treasured for years to come.

Betty was an avid “prayer warrior.” If anyone called asking for prayer, she was on task immediately—faithful and intentional. She even learned how to text so she could let others know she was praying for them and their situation. Her faith was her foundation, and her quiet strength and compassion touched countless lives.

She is survived by her children, Michael J. Hayes, Jr. (Lisa) and Barbara Hayes; her sister, Linda Gould; her brothers, John H. Wood, Jr. and James Wood (Marsha); her granddaughter, Doriann Westman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael (Mike) Hayes, Sr.; her sister, Marlene Wood and her brother, Frank Wood.

The family will receive friends at the King George chapel of Storke Funeral Home on Thursday, March 5th from 5 – 7 p.m. A funeral service, officiated by Rev. Sherman Davis, will follow on Friday, March 6th at 11 a.m. in Tabernacle Baptist Church, King George, with a reception immediately following at the church’s fellowship hall. A private family burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Oak Grove, will take place at a later time. Pallbearers will be Michael J. Hayes, Jr., Daniel Wood, Dustin Wood, Parker Wood, Pete Hayes, and Matthew Dodd.

Since Betty’s favorite color was pink, the family asks that everyone wear something pink in honor of their mother.